Family Law Attorney in Santa Clarita 

The very last thing most couples want to think about while planning a wedding is the financial side of marriage, particularly planning for the possibility that a marriage may end. Most conversations focus on venues, invitations, flowers, guest lists, and outfits. Money usually isn’t part of the excitement, so it gets pushed aside. Financial planning can feel unromantic and complicated, and is often delayed or avoided altogether.

Despite this, financial issues play a significant role in nearly every part of a marriage. Decisions about income, property, debt, and long-term financial responsibility affect daily life and future stability. Addressing these issues before marriage allows couples to establish clarity and reduce uncertainty. For many couples, working through a prenuptial agreement is simply one way to have those conversations early and clearly.

Prenuptial Agreements

A prenuptial agreement is a written contract signed by two parties prior to marriage. It sets forth how certain financial matters will be addressed in the event the marriage ends by divorce or death. Prenuptial agreements commonly address the division of property, responsibility for debts, and the issue of spousal support.

Every prenuptial agreement looks different because every couple’s situation is different. That said, the purpose is to define financial rights and obligations in advance rather than leaving those determinations solely to state law. Most prenuptial agreements begin with disclosure of each party’s assets and debts. This usually includes bank accounts, retirement funds, real estate, investments, valuable personal property, and existing debts.

A prenuptial agreement may also address how certain property will be treated during the marriage, not just upon divorce. In some cases, couples include provisions related to practical matters, such as responsibility for pets.

However, a prenuptial agreement cannot determine issues of child custody or child support. Those issues are reserved for the court and must be decided based on the best interests of the child at the time of separation or dissolution.

California’s Default Prenup

Absent a valid prenuptial agreement, California couples already have a default set of rules. California is a community property state, meaning that, in general, assets and debts acquired during the marriage are divided equally upon divorce.

As a result, the California Family Code effectively establishes default financial outcomes for married couples who do not enter into a prenuptial agreement. These outcomes may not reflect the parties’ individual expectations or financial circumstances. A prenuptial agreement gives couples the ability to adjust those rules instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all system.

Addressing the Stigma Around Prenups

Prenuptial agreements frequently face two misconceptions: that prenups are only for wealthy or high-profile couples, and that signing one means a couple expects the marriage to fail. Neither assumption accurately reflects the purpose or function of prenuptial agreements.

Prenups are not just for celebrities or people with significant wealth. Prenuptial agreements are available to couples across a wide range of financial situations. They may be particularly useful where the parties enter the marriage with unequal assets, own real property, operate a business or professional practice, expect future inheritances, carry significant debt, or have children from prior relationships. A prenuptial agreement allows couples to define what fairness looks like for them, rather than relying entirely on default legal rules. There is no single profile for someone who “needs” a prenup.

The idea that a prenup signals a lack of commitment is also misplaced. In practice, creating a prenuptial agreement requires couples to talk openly about finances. Those conversations can be uncomfortable, but they are often necessary. A prenup does not plan for divorce. Instead, it documents agreements made when both people are communicating clearly and making decisions together.

For many couples, a prenup strengthens communication rather than undermines it. The process of negotiating a prenup often requires detailed discussions. Avoiding financial conversations altogether can create confusion or resentment later on. Addressing these issues early helps couples start their marriage with clearer expectations.

Requirements for Prenuptial Agreements

Creating a prenuptial agreement generally starts with clarifying the financial goals the parties want the agreement to address and identifying areas where they may wish to deviate from California’s default rules. This requires thoughtful discussion about how finances will be handled during the marriage and in the event it ends. Open communication between future spouses is critical, and some couples find it helpful to work with a counselor to support those conversations.

California law imposes specific requirements for prenuptial agreements to be enforceable. Each party must provide full and fair disclosure of their financial circumstances. In addition, each party must be represented by independent legal counsel or execute a written waiver of that right. These requirements are intended to reduce the risk of coercion and ensure that both parties understand the legal consequences of the agreement. Failure to comply with these statutory safeguards can render a prenuptial agreement unenforceable.

Prospective spouses considering a prenuptial agreement should also take sufficient time to review and negotiate its terms. Agreements signed under pressure or without adequate opportunity for review may be subject to later challenge.

Postnuptial Agreements

For couples who are already married and did not execute a prenuptial agreement, a postnuptial agreement may be an alternative. A postnup is entered into at any point during the marriage and can address many of the same financial issues as a prenup.

Postnuptial agreements are often used when circumstances change during a marriage, such as the acquisition of significant assets, receipt of an inheritance, or significant changes in income. As with prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements must meet statutory requirements to be enforceable.

Final Thoughts

Marital agreements, whether prenuptial or postnuptial, serve as tools for financial planning and risk management. When properly drafted, they can clarify expectations, reduce future disputes, and provide a framework tailored to the parties’ circumstances rather than relying solely on default statutory rules.

While discussing finances before or during a marriage may be uncomfortable, those discussions are often necessary to ensure informed decision-making. Clear agreements reached in advance can help reduce uncertainty and conflict in the future.

If you are considering a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, the Law Offices of Steven B. Chroman can assist you in navigating the legal requirements and drafting an agreement that reflects your circumstances. Contact our office at (661) 255-1800 or email office@chromanlaw.com to schedule a consultation.

This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please call our office to schedule a consultation at (661) 255-1800.

Meeting with a family law attorney for the first time can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure of what to expect or what to bring. Whether you’re preparing for a divorce, custody dispute, support modification, or any other family law issue, taking a few simple steps before your initial consultation can make the process smoother and far more productive. The more organized you are, the more efficiently your attorney can understand your situation and start building a plan tailored to your goals.

What the Initial Consultation is Really For

Your initial consultation is the first step toward understanding your legal options and finding the right attorney for your needs. Consider this first meeting as a two-way conversation. Your attorney uses this time to learn about your circumstances, identify key issues, and discuss possible strategies, while you have the opportunity to ask questions and decide whether the attorney and firm are the right fit for you. During this meeting, your attorney may ask detailed questions about your marriage, finances, and family dynamics, explain the general legal process and potential timelines for your type of case, or outline what documents or information will be needed to move forward. The goal of the initial consultation is for you to leave feeling informed, supported, and confident going forward.

What to Bring

Bringing relevant paperwork to the initial consultation allows your attorney to provide accurate, personalized advice from the very beginning. If possible, consider preparing copies of the following:

1. Financial documents: These materials give your attorney a clearer picture of your financial landscape, which is crucial in matters involving property division, spousal support, or child support.

For example; pay stubs, tax returns, bank and credit card statements, retirement and savings account information, and any documentation of debts or loans.

2. Legal documents: Providing these documents helps your attorney quickly assess where your case stands and what will come in the future.

For example; marriage certificate, prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, prior court orders, or any filings already submitted to the court.

3. Property information: These documents help identify marital and separate property, ensuring your attorney can properly evaluate any potential division issues.

For example; deeds, mortgage statements, vehicle titles, and insurance policies.

4. Information about children: For custody, visitation, and support matters, bring parenting schedules, prior custody or support orders, and relevant communications (texts, emails, etc.) about co-parenting or child-related decisions.

Questions You Might Ask

Before your meeting, take time to think about your main concerns, priorities, and ideal outcomes for your case. The initial consultation is meant to help you feel more prepared and confident as you move forward. Some questions you may consider asking during your initial consultation are:

• How long does this process typically take?

• What are my options for settlement versus trial?

• How can I protect my financial interests or parenting rights?

• What are the likely next steps after this meeting?

• How will communication and updates work between me and my attorney?

• What are the expected costs or fee structures for my type of case?

• What information or actions should I prioritize immediately?

A Few Basic Details to Have Ready

In addition to documents and questions, come prepared with general details such as your contact information, your spouse or co-parent’s information, dates of marriage and separation (if applicable,) names and birthdates of any children, or current living arrangements or custody schedules.

These basic details help your attorney quickly form a clear picture of your case and streamline the process following your consultation.

Final Thoughts

Preparation is the key to a productive initial consultation. The more organized and honest you are with your prospective family law attorney, the better equipped they’ll be to protect your interests and develop a strategy that aligns with your goals.

At the Law Offices of Steven B. Chroman, we handle a wide range of family law matters, including divorce, custody, support, domestic violence, and more, each with the compassion and expertise they deserve. If you’re ready to schedule your initial consultation, contact our office today. We’ll help you prepare, understand your options, and take confident steps toward the best possible outcome for you and your family. Contact our office today at (661)-255-1800 or email office@chromanlaw.com to schedule a consultation.

This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please call our office to schedule a consultation at (661)-255-1800.

California family law doesn’t stay the same for long. Laws are passed every year that change how courts handle divorce, custody, and domestic violence cases. In 2026, three major updates will kick in. They’re meant to make the system more responsive to safety concerns and the real-world challenges families deal with in court.

Together, these changes create two themes: making divorce easier when both sides agree, and making the rules around firearms and domestic violence even tighter.

Joint Divorce Filings

Right now, divorce in California starts with one spouse filing and then serving the other. Even if both people agree it’s over, the law still makes them go through that extra step. It adds time, money, and a lot of formality to something that doesn’t always need it.

Starting January 1, 2026, Senate Bill 1427 (SB 1427) changes that. Couples who both agree can file a joint petition for divorce or legal separation. Filing together means no one has to serve the other and both parties are treated as if they’ve already appeared in the case.

That doesn’t mean the road will always stay smooth. If disagreements pop up later, either spouse can cancel the joint petition and move back into the traditional process. SB 1427 simply gives couples who are on the same page a direct path forward. Less paperwork. Fewer delays. And the option to fall back on the old system if things don’t stay cooperative.

Firearm Exemptions in DVRO Cases

In California, the law requires that anyone subject to a domestic violence restraining order (DVRO) usually has to give up their firearms. In the past, however, courts have granted exemptions for work-related reasons, such as for those who are peace officers or security personnel, sometimes allowing continued possession for purposes of employment.

Starting January 1, 2026, Assembly Bill 2759 (AB 2759) makes those exceptions much harder to get. From now on, an exemption can only be granted if the person isn’t already prohibited under state or federal law from owning a gun in the first place.

The law also raises the standard for peace officers. It now applies specifically to sworn peace officers, and courts have to make two findings before granting an exemption:

• The officer’s personal safety depends on carrying a firearm outside of work hours

• The officer doesn’t pose an added threat to the protected party or the public.

For other jobs that require carrying a firearm, exemptions are still possible, but only if reassignment isn’t an option and the court finds no extra risk. And even then, any exemption has to be reviewed when a permanent restraining order is issued and again if it’s renewed.

AB 2759 makes it clear that safety comes first. Employment needs can’t outweigh the risk of putting firearms back into the hands of someone under a DVRO.

Domestic Violence, Custody, and Firearms

Custody disputes involving domestic violence are guided by Family Code § 3044. The law says there’s a presumption against giving custody to a parent with a history of abuse. Judges could already look at whether that parent had violated firearm restrictions under Family Code § 6389 when deciding if the presumption should stand.

Starting January 1, 2026, Senate Bill 899 (SB 899) makes the review even broader. Courts can now also consider firearm violations under Code of Civil Procedure § 527.9 and Penal Code § 18120.

This essentially means that judges will now have a wider lens to evaluate whether a parent who’s committed domestic violence should be trusted with custody, specifically when firearms are involved. SB 899 strengthens California’s stance that child safety in custody matters always comes first. By expanding the scope of firearm violations courts must weigh, the law doubles down on protecting children in custody disputes where domestic violence is already a factor.

Final Thoughts

The family law changes coming in 2026 clearly show that California is trying to make the family law system more efficient and secure. These reforms aren’t necessarily about adding more rules for the sake of it. They remove significant barriers where cooperation exists and add safeguards where danger does. It’s California’s latest step toward a family law system that better matches the realities families face every day.

If you have questions about how these California family law updates may affect your case, the Law Offices of Steven B. Chroman is here to help. Contact our office today at (661)-255-1800 or email office@chromanlaw.com to schedule a consultation.

This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please call our office to schedule a consultation at (661)-255-1800.